Why Is It Called a Paris-Brest?

By Michael Ferguson

Have you ever wondered why a mouth-watering French pastry is called Paris-Brest? If you are a food enthusiast, then you might already know that this dessert is named after the famous bicycle race that connects Paris to Brest.

But there’s more to it than just a simple connection between cycling and baking. Let’s dive deeper into the history of Paris-Brest.

The Creation of Paris-Brest

Paris-Brest was created in 1910 by a well-known French pastry chef, Louis Durand. He designed this dessert to honor the cyclists who participated in the Paris-Brest-Paris bicycle race, which was first held in 1891. The route of this race was designed to follow the shape of a wheel with spokes radiating out from the central hub of Paris.

The Connection Between Cycling and Pastry

Louis Durand’s inspiration came from his passion for cycling, which was shared by many people in France at that time. He wanted to create a dessert that would not only provide energy but also be easy to carry during long-distance races. That’s why he made it in the shape of a wheel – round like a tire – with choux pastry representing the wheel itself.

The Ingredients

Paris-Brest is made with choux pastry (pâte à choux), which is light and airy and has a hollow center that can be filled with different types of cream. The traditional filling for Paris-Brest is praline cream, which consists of whipped cream mixed with caramelized hazelnuts.

The Shape

The original shape of Paris-Brest was made to resemble a bicycle wheel, complete with spokes and all. It was divided into eight sections, each representing one spoke on the wheel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Paris-Brest is not just any ordinary pastry. It is a tribute to the famous cycling race that connects Paris to Brest.

Its unique shape and delicious filling have made it a favorite among pastry lovers all over the world. Now that you know the history behind this dessert, you can impress your friends with your knowledge and enjoy this delicious treat with a newfound appreciation.